All living former U.S. presidents, along with their spouses, attended Donald Trump’s inauguration as the 47th president on Monday. One notable exception was Michelle Obama, who skipped the ceremony.
Her absence wasn’t a surprise. A statement from the Obamas’ office last week confirmed, “Former President Barack Obama is confirmed to attend the 60th Inaugural Ceremonies. Former first lady Michelle Obama will not attend the upcoming inauguration.” Earlier this month, she also missed former President Jimmy Carter’s state funeral.
Michelle Obama’s critical views of Americans who differ from her have been public for years. In February 2008, during Barack Obama’s presidential campaign, she said, “For the first time in my adult lifetime, I am really proud of my country — and not just because Barack has done well, but because I think people are hungry for change.”
Just before the 2024 election, she expressed similar disdain at a rally for Kamala Harris in Michigan. “I’ve got to ask myself, well, why on earth is this race even close?” she questioned. “I lay awake at night wondering what in the world is going on.”
“It’s clear to me that the question isn’t whether Kamala is ready for this moment,” Obama continued. “The real question is, as a country, are we ready for this moment? Are we willing to do what it takes to get her across the finish line, or are we going to let ourselves get distracted and fall for the scam?”
She didn’t hold back her fears. “And right now, folks, I have to be honest, I’m not completely sure of the answers to those questions. Y’all give me great comfort in this arena. But this is a big country,” she said. “That’s why all of my hope about Kamala is also accompanied by some genuine fear. Fear for our country. Fear for our children.”
Her criticism of Trump was sharp. Speaking of Harris, she said, “She will usher in a new generation of American leadership and send the ugliness of Donald Trump and his politics back where it belongs, the past.”